'Active Shooter' Training at ECHS Saturday

Law enforcement agencies from across the region will converge on East Columbus Junior Senior High School on Saturday for training they hope is never needed.

The school will be the location of a large-scale active shooter drill involving law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other emergency officials. The simulation starts around 9 a.m., according to Kelly Jones of the county schools.

When he was appointed in January, Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers emphasized the need to safeguard schools against mass shootings such as those in Texas and elsewhere. Law enforcement agencies across the nation have increased active shooter training response in recent years.

Officials said that since active shooting incidents often require multiple agencies for assistance, the training is critical to help officers and first responders who might not know each other learn how to work together in case of an emergency.

The exercise will cause traffic delays on Old Lake Road at the school. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if at all possible beginning at 9 a.m. Emergency radio traffic may also include simulated reports from first responders at the school.

The campus will be closed during the exercise.